The victim, identified as Joey Adams, was found shot dead inside a red car on Timber Drive near Vandora Springs Road.
Officers set up an information checkpoint on Timber Drive, stopping drivers to gather details. Investigators say that even small details could help bring closure to Adams' loved ones.
A longtime friend, DJ Corcoran, described Adams as a great friend, proud father of five, and devoted husband.
"He loved them kids. That's all he wanted to do -- is go home to them kids. That's what he was doing it all. That's why he works hard. He loves his wife. He was happy. He's loved life. He just, he loved his life," Corcoran said.
He said Adams was the glue of the family, and he can't imagine why anyone would want to harm him.
"He's not in that life... He's doing right by his kids. He's doing right by her. I just talked to him last week," Corcoran said.
Adams was found shot in his car after another driver rear-ended the vehicle and called for help, according to Garner police. A witness reported hearing multiple gunshots
Corcoran recalled his shock upon learning of Adams' death: "I dropped my phone...I didn't think it was real. I thought it was like a dream. It just didn't make sense."
He urged the person responsible to come forward and turn yourself in, saying you took someone whose life can't be replaced.
Eyewitness News spoke with a friend of Joey Adams' wife who talked about how her friend is navigating the loss of her husband.
"I got really emotional. I know how much they loved each other and they have kids. And he was an amazing father. So yeah, it was it was hard on me. So I can only imagine, you know, what the people close to him, especially Toni and the kids, are feeling right now," she said.
Garner Police are also seeking dashcam video from anyone traveling in the area of Timber Drive and Vandora Springs Road on Monday night between 6:30 and 7:30 p.m. Tips can be reported to the Garner police tip line at 984-223-4875.